Belle and Mayo Islands in Richmond, Virginia — The American South (Mid-Atlantic)

First Break Rapid

Changing the Course of the River

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, March 15, 2025

1. First Break Rapid Marker

Inscription. Imagine walking across the James River from here to Hollywood Cemetery without getting wet! From 1905 until 1969, this was possible using the dam in front of you. The W-shaped Belle Isle Dam forced water to the hydroelectric power plants on Belle Isle and below Hollywood Cemetery. When the dam was operational, the rocks to the south were under water and those in front of you were dry.

In 1969, Hurricane Camille created a hole in the dam. Repairing the dam was deemed too costly, and the James resumed its normal course. Today, this spot is popular with recreational boaters. Rafts, canoes and kayaks can float downstream, and then ride the V-shaped train of waves and eddies to float back upstream, allowing them to continually re-run First Break Rapid.

If you are swept into moving water, assume a safe whitewater swimmer's position: feet pointed downstream, and toes and nose up! Remain in this position until you reach calmer water and safety. Please remember to wear close-toed shoes while in the river.

Can you see any other breaks in this dam?

(caption) Flow of the James, 1905-1969 When this dam was functional, water

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was directed to the south side of Belle Isle, and the north side was dry.

"In time and with water, everything changes." - Leonardo Da Vinci

Erected by Friends of the James River Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Industry & Commerce • Parks & Recreational Areas • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1969.

Location. 37° 31.665′ N, 77° 27.435′ W. Marker is in Richmond, Virginia. It is in Belle and Mayo Islands. It can be reached from Tredegar Street west of Browns Island Way, on the left when traveling west. Located on Belle Isle which can be reached via a pedestrian bridge from the north bank of the river. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 470 Tredegar Street, Richmond VA 23225, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Virginia.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Upper South.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what

Belle Isle Dam Break image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Evan Dwyer, March 15, 2025

2. Belle Isle Dam Break

Seen from the rocks just north of the marker.

was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the original Thirteen Colonies,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 6 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Headgate Cleaner and Hydro Plant (about 400 feet away); Quarrying Broad Rock Island (about 600 feet away); Belle Isle Hydro Plant (approx. 0.2 miles away); Hollywood Rapids (approx. ¼ mile away); Jefferson Davis (approx. 0.3 miles away); Ironworks Oil House (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Richmond.

Other markers no longer nearby. First Break Rapids (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Gun Emplacement (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been permanently removed); Headgate Cleaner (was about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Headgate (was about 400 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Quarry Pond (was about 600 feet away but has been replaced with another marker now

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near it); Quarry Equipment (was approx. 0.2 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); a different marker also named Hollywood Rapids (was approx. ¼ mile away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Native American Fishing (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been confirmed missing); Belle Isle Rolling Milling and Slitting Manufactory (was approx. 0.3 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Cannon over the Camp (was approx. 0.4 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

More about this marker. This marker replaces 64050

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Old Marker At This Location titled "First Break Rapids"

Credits. This page was last revised on June 23, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 13, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. This page has been viewed 177 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 13, 2025, by Evan Dwyer of Richmond, Virginia. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.